Key services provided

• Erection of a fully encapsulated scaffold
• Preliminary strengthening works
• Removal of existing surfacing
• Replacement of bearings
• Replacement of damaged steelwork
• Repainting the entire structure

Built in 1906, this former road and rail swing bridge over the River Avon in Bristol, formed part of a local access and cycle route, despite being in a poor state of repair. The Grade 2 listed bridge was on Bristol City Council’s ‘Listed Building At Risk Register’, which described the bridge as being in a very bad condition with clear signs of structural instability. The register stated that, prior to works taking place, the bridge was at “immediate risk of further rapid deterioration”.

With the desire to complete the works supported by English Heritage, VolkerLaser were contracted to provide full renovation of the bridge. A fully encapsulated scaffold system was placed on the bridge, to take the flow of the River Avon when tides came in, with the team delivering preliminary strengthening works to restore the bridge’s stability to modern standards. The bridge’s bearings and surface had passed their service life, and thus had to be removed and replaced, along with any damaged steelwork. The team concluded the works by completely repainting the entire structure, without detracting from what the bridge originally looked like.

VolkerLaser’s work on the Ashton Avenue Swing Bridge meant that the structure was able to reopen as part of the Bristol MetroBus project, with the bridge featuring a single guided bus lane, as well as a widened cycleway and footpath.